WhatsApp username feature is coming to the web client as well. The feature was recently spotted on WhatsApp Beta for Android as well. Notably, the Meta-owned messaging platform has been developing a new feature to enhance user privacy and security on the platform. The new feature —which is already available for those using WhatsApp Communities— allows users to look up contacts using their username. Let’s take a look at how the new feature is beneficial and protects users’ privacy.
WhatsApp Web Will Soon Get Username Search to Protect Privacy
The WhatsApp username feature for the web client has been spotted by the popular WhatsApp Beta update tracking platform, WABetaInfo. As you can see in the image posted by the publication, WhatsApp web client allows users to search and connect with their contacts using their unique username on the platform. The feature that will soon rollout in a future update of the WhatsApp web, is designed to enhance the user experience by eliminating the need for phone numbers and protection the privacy of the users.
According to the WABetaInfo, WhatsApp users on Android and Web client will soon be able to set usernames to personalise their profiles on the platform. This username will act as an identifier for contacts. Once the user sets a user name, their number will be hidden from other users. It will be easier for users to search for their contacts using their personalised username and will also protect their privacy.
The new feature is similar to what Telegram has been offering to its users for a while now. This will also help Meta to integrated three of its platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. However, this is a feature that will allow users to chat with strangers without having to reveal their private phone numbers.
This will make it easier for WhatsApp users to share their location with delivery people or service providers. This is currently not possible without having to save their numbers and then share their location, which means your profile picture, number, stories, etc. are now open to strangers. The ability to be able to connect with a username will eliminate the need to save numbers and reveal your own to strangers.
